Ventilated cooking range

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a ventilated cooking device having a ceramic panel cooking surface through which cooking heat is transmitted from a heat source underneath. More specifically, the device includes a stove frame or housing having an upwardly facing recess into which is received a heat cartridge having the ceramic panel facing upwardly therefrom for defining a cooking surface. Ventilating apparatus draws cooling air past and in contact with a portion of the heat cartridge for removing heat therefrom to reduce heat transmission to the stove frame and consequently to a kitchen counter in which the frame is adapted to be received.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Joseph J. Cerola Indianapolis, Ind.

[2]] App]. No. 3.155

[22] Filed Jan. 15, 1970 [45] Patented Aug. 3, 1971 [731 Assignee Jenn-Air Corporation Indianapolis, Ind.

[54] VEN'I'ILATED COOKING RANGE [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,898,846 8/1959 Del Francia 126/214 A UK Primary Examiner-Charles J. Myhre Attorney-Kenneth E. Walden ABSTRACT: This invention relates to a ventilated cooking device having a ceramic panel cooking surface through which cooking heat is transmitted from a heat source undemeath.- More specifically, the device includes a stove frame or housing having an upwardly facing recess into which is received a heat cartridge having the ceramic panel facing upwardly therefrom for defining a cooking surface. Ventilating apparatus draws cooling air past and in contact with a portion of the heat cartridge for removing heat therefrom to reduce heat transmission to the stove frame and consequently to a kitchen counter in which the frame is adapted to be received.

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sum 2 or 2 INVENTOR BY JOSEPH J. CEROLA ATTOR NEY VENTILATED COOKING RANGE CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER PATENTS This invention is a further development beyond the type of ventilated cooking apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,444,805 and 3,474,724.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cooking stoves having flat top surfaces of smooth glass ceramic panel with underlying heat source for transmitting heat thereto are recent in the art. Heat generated underneath the panel is transmitted to the panel which defines a heated surface for receiving cooking vessels and the like thereon. The arrangements are such that the ceramic panel receives a'major portion of the output from the heat source; however some heat from the heat source radiates or, is conducted downwardly to underlying structure of the stove frame or housing. Successful hindrance of heat transmission to stove parts other than to the ceramic panel presents substantial problems. Temperature of the heating element adjacent the panel may reach over l,0O F. sustained. Attempts have been made to overcome this problem by use of heat insulation to prevent excessive heat transmission to the frame. Others have provided fans to circulate air underneath the heat sourceto reduce heat radiation to parts of the stove frame.

A substantial fire hazard is present unless precautions are taken because this type of stove is normally designed for the frame to be received in a cutout in a wooden counter top.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With this background in mind, the disclosure herein is directed to an arrangement wherein power means moves a continuous stream of outside cooking air past and in contact with a portion of the heat cartridge or capsule to reduce heat transfer therefrom to the stove frame with the desirable end result of preventing excessive heat reaching the cabinet in which the stove is normally mounted. A heat source for heating the panel is so disposed within the cartridge that a major portion of its heat is transmitted to the panel. However, some heat will be received by parts underlying the panel and heat source. Structure is provided herein for removing heat to reduce transmission to the stove frame without disturbing useful heat to the heated cooking surface.

The stove frame or housing, being adapted to be received in a cutout in a counter top, contains an upwardly facing recess for containing the heat cartridge. This heat cartridge comprises a generally flat glass ceramic panel closing the entrance to an underlying pan defining a chamber and a heat source in the chamber. The ceramic panel substantially encloses the throat to the stove frame recess and faces upwardly to define a cooking surface. Walls of the heat cartridge pan are spaced from walls of the frame recess to define an air conduit or passageway. Air upon being forced therethrough cools the pan to reduce heat transfer to the frame. The cartridge may be removably received in the frame cavity or fixedly received. The glass ceramic top is of a type available on the market such as HERCUVIT brand manufactured by PPG Industries.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the drawing which form a part of the specification and disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cooking device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another arrangement of the cooking device;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional representation taken generally along line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 and showing another cartridge arrangement;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 4 but showing still another arrangement;

FIG. 6 shows an alternate construction in cross section;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the ceramic panel with holddown hardware;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pan defined by walls to underlie the ceramic panel of FIG. 7 to form a heat capsule; and,

FIG. 9 is a view taken generally along line 9-9 of FIG. 5 showing holddown hardware.

' The perspective view in FIG. 1 shows a stove designated generally by the numeral 10 which is adapted to b e received in a cutout in a kitchen counter. It includes a ceramic panel 12 defining a cooking surface and grating 14 at the entrance to an air plenum chamber 16. Electrical controls for heating and .ventilation are indicated by-numeral17. The showing in FIG.

2 is essentially identicaI/tothat of FIG. 1 wherein like numerals are applied, but additionally includes a grill 18 for open-air broiling. As in FIG. 1, the'frame is adapted to be received in a cutout in a kitchen countenop. This is indicated more clearly in FlG. 3 wherein stove frame 20 is supported on countertop 22. This figure being ih illustration shows the stove It) and broiler 24. disposed on opposite side of air plenum chamber 16. A poweredriven air exhaust fan 27 is located adjacent exhaust opening 26' of the plenum. Air, as indicated by arrows, is drawn from across panel 12 and grill 18 of broiler 24 and through plenum l6 to exhaust fan 27 and thence to the atmosphere through line 29. Therebyheated air, smoke and odoriferous cooking gases are removed from the cooking area. The arrangement of broiler 24, plenum I6 and power exhaust apparatus'27 is'gei'ierally disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3,444,805 AND 3,474,724 and needs no further detailed explanation here other than that shown inFIG. 3.' i I The feature to which the invention herein is mainly directed is shown in the construction designated generally by the numeral 10. However, several variations are presented in FIGS. 39. Common to all the variations is the frame 20 formed of sheet metal with a central portion cut away and provided with walls to define an upwardly facing recess. In FIG. 3 a bottom wall of the recess is designated by the numeral 28 while sidewalls are designated by the numeral 30. These walls cooperate with one side of plenum 16 to define a recess 11. Ventilation opening 32 in the bottom wall and 34 in plenum chamber 16 wall provide one path for air movement through the recess. The exact location of intake opening 32 may be varied to suit and can be in a sidewall, or in other parts of the frame. This feature and its function will be described more fully hereinafter.

In FIG. 4, the arrangement defining the recess in the frame is shown in substantial detail. It is formed by bottom wall 28 and sidewalls 30' which extend therearound in cooperation with wall 31 of plenum chamber 16. Bottom wall 28 is provided with an opening 32' and wall 31 of the plenum is provided with louvered opening 34'. The walls may be formed in various ways or methods to establish a recess or receptacle as part of the frame or housing 20 to which it is secured. Within the defined recess of frame 20 a heat cartridge or capsule, designated generally by the numeral 36, is received. This cartridge may take various forms as shown in FIGS. 3 through 8. It generally includes the heating surface (ceramic panel 12 and a pan enclosing a chamber for containing the heat source.

In FIG. 3, the heat source 38 is a typical electric stove resistence coil element. Chamber 40 in which the heat element is located, is defined by pan 42 formed of sheet material to a shape as shown in FIG. 3 and enclosed by the ceramic panel. Heat element 38 is positioned within the chamber so as to direct the main portion of its heat output towards ceramic panel 12. As shown, this is accomplished by positioning the heat element relatively close to the panel. Less heat is thereby transmitted to pan 42. The space between pan 42 and walls 28, 30 defines a conduit 33 for passage of cooling air for heat removal.

The broad idea is shown in FIG. 4, but specific details differ with respect to the heat cartridge. A panel or wall 28' of the stove frame defines part of the cooling air conduit. Panshaped member 44 has a pair of generally round openings 50 in the bottom thereof. A cup-shaped member 52 is supported in each opening 50 as shown in FIG. 4 to support and locate the heating element or source and to enclose the chamber. Shoulders of the cup which are carried around the edge of opening 50 support a Y-shaped member 48 for positioning electric heat coil(s) 46. A strip of heat-resistant gasket material such as asbestos is positioned around annular flange 69 facing glass ceramic panel 12. Other pieces of insulation 72 support pan 44 from brackets 71.

Hardware is provided for holding the glass ceramic pan I2 and pan 44 assembled in the frame. This hardware is substantially identical for the arrangements of both FIGS. 4 and 5. An annular molding ring 68 surrounds the periphery of panel 12. Plural straps 76 which terminate in threaded bolts 84 are welded or otherwise connected about a skirt portion of the ring. As shown, plural holes are provided in wall 28' for receiving cup washers 88 against which wing nuts 86 bear in retaining bolts 84. Ceramic top 12 and pan 44 are held in closed position by the holding force between bracket 78 and ring 68. Slot 80 provides for adjustment of bolt 82 to position bracket 78.

A different arrangement of the heat cartridge is disclosed in F IG 5. It will be noted that the recess in the frame is identical to that shown in FIG. 4 except there is no indication of an air inlet port such as 32'. However, this is a feature which may be placed in a number of locations. Heat sources or elements 55 are placed one under each area 13 of panel 12 in close proximity thereto. By reason of the relative closeness of heat source 55 to panel 12 and its remoteness to wall 59 a greater amount of heat is transmitted to the panel. However, the heat radiated or conducted in other directions can be further reduced by use of insulating material such as an asbestos or equivalent block 62. Supporting hardware is like that of FIG. 4 and like numerals indicate like parts.

FIG. 6 discloses a heat cartridge 36 similar to that shown in FIG. 5. A heat element 53 is positioned underneath the glass panel and above wall 54. In FIGS. 3--9, the cartridge is removable as a unit from the top of the stove cavity. This has obvious advantages such as ease in removal for repair or replacement. An enclosed chamber of equivalent accomplishment may be formed by walls in the stove cavity without being removable as with the cartridge. A common feature in either arrangement being that the bottom wall such as 40, 52, 54 or 59 is spaced from wall 28, 28 of the frame to define a conduit 33 through which outside cooling is drawn by power fan means. Thereby heat is removed from the bottom of the cartridge to lessen heat transfer to the frame.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of panel 12 surrounded by molding ring 68 adapted to be received over the pan 56 of FIG. 8 to form a heat cartridge. An open-type heat coil 64 is shown in pan 56 and supported therefrom by insulators 66.

The chamber, defined by the panel and pan and shown in the several figures of the drawings, is substantially enclosed. The air space between the heat element and the bottom of the pan (or additional wall) acts to prevent excessive heat transfer therethrough. While substantial enclosure of the chamber is desirable, it is not essential that it be entirely enclosed. Note for example in FIG. 6 where an electrical lead passes through the pan. Air movement in the chamber will be at a minimum convection, by radiation and conduction and passage of minimal outside air unless the chamber is entirely enclosed. An established chamber between the heat source and lower walls of the pan is of importance to hinder heat transfer. The established conduit beneath the pan or wall is for moving air for heat removal.

By this arrangement the intense heat generated by the element under the glass is largely transmitted through the glass, but that heat which escapes in other directions is removed by air passing through the passageway defined below and around the heat cartridge. It is thereby possible to accommodate high heat at one location and isolate and remove it from another. This is superior to providing insulating material to reduce the rate of heat transfer to parts where it is objectionable.

What I claim is:

1. A cooking device comprising:

a frame including wall means defining an upwardly facing recess,

a generally flat heat-transmissive ceramic panel means disposed across the throat of said recess with a heat source underneath to define a surface for cooking,

additional wall means disposed generally above said frame wall means thereby defining a space therebetween and disposed generally beneath said heat source thereby additionally defining a barrier between said heat source and said frame wall means, I

said space communicating with air inlet and outlet means to define air conduit means for passage of cooling air,

and means for forcibly moving outside cooling air through said conduit means to remove heat from said additional wall means to reduce heat transmission to said frame wall means.

2. The claimed subject matter on claim 1 wherein said ceramic panel closes the throat of said recess.

3. The claimed subject matter of claim 1 wherein said additional wall means in cooperation with said ceramic panel encloses a chamber in which said heat source is disposed.

4. The claimed subject matter of claim 3 wherein said chamber is entirely enclosed.

5. The claimed subject matter of claim 3 wherein said additional walls and said panel form a chamber which is removably received in said frame recess.

6. The claimed subject matter of claim 3 wherein said heat source is adjacent said panel.

7. The claimed subject matter of claim 6 further defined as including heat-insulating means between the heat source and said additional wall means to thereby reduce heat transmitted thereto.

8. A cooking device comprising:

A frame including wall means defining an upwardly facing recess,

a heat cartridge defined by a flat heat-transmissive ceramic panel in cooperation with walls generally spaced therefrom to define a chamber therebetween and including a heat source in the chamber for heating the ceramic panel,

said heat cartridge disposed in said recess with the ceramic panel facing upwardly therefrom to define a surface for cooking, 1

said wallsof the heat cartridge being spaced from the frame wall means to define a space therebetween, and means for moving outside air through said space and adjacent the walls of said cartridge for removing heat therefrom to thereby reduce heat transfer to the frame.

9. The claimed subject matter of claim 8 further defined as including heat-insulating means beneath the heat source to reduce heat transfer to surfaces other than said panel.

10. The claimed subject matter of claim 8 wherein the chamber of said heat cartridge is entirely enclosed.

1 1. The claimed subject matter of claim 8 wherein said heat cartridge is removably received in the stove recess.

12. The claimed subject matter of claim 8 wherein said heat cartridge closes the entrance to said recess of the frame.

13. A cooking device comprising:

a frame including wall means defining an upwardly facing recess,

a heat cartridge including a flat heat-transmissive ceramic panel across the opening to a pan means to define a chamber and having a heat source therein,

said heat cartridge disposed within said recess with said ceramic panel facing upwardly therefrom for defining a cooling surface,

said heat source within the chamber of said heat cartridge being so disposed that a major portion of its heat is transmitted to said ceramic panel and only a minor portion is transmitted to the pan means,

and means for moving a continuous stream of cooling air past and in contact with the pan means for removing heat therefrom to thereby reduce heat transmission to the frame.

14. The claimed subject of claim 13 wherein said heat source is disposed adjacent said panel.

15. The claimed subject matter of claim 13 wherein the chamber of said heat cartridge is entirely enclosed.

16. The claimed subject matter of claim 13 wherein said heat cartridge is removably received in the stove recess.

17. The claimed subject matter of claim 13 wherein the entrance to said recess in the frame is closed by said cartridge.

18. A cooking device comprising:

a frame including wall means defining an upwardly facing cavity,

a generally flat heat-transmissive glass ceramic panel disposed across the entrance to said cavity with a heat source underneath whereby said panel becomes a surface for cooling,

additional wall means disposed in said cavity and beneath said panel and heat source thereby defining a heat chamber,

said additional wall means being spaced upwardly from a bottom wall of said frame cavity to define conduit means therebetween for passage of a stream of cooling air,

an air opening in the frame in communication with said conduit means,

an air plenum chamber adjacent said frame and having plural air intake ports and an exhaust port in communication with a power driven fan exhaust adapted to exhaust air to the atmosphere,

one of said intake ports adjacently disposed to one side of said panel for drawing cooking fumes from thereacross and another intake port in communication with said conduit means for drawing cooling air therethrough in contact with said additional wall means for removing heat therefrom to reduce heat transfer to said frame.

19. The claimed subject matter of claim 18 wherein said heat-transmissive glass ceramic panel substantially closes the entrance to said cavity in the frame. 

1. A cooking device comprising: a frame including wall means defining an upwardly facing recess, a generally flat heat-transmissive ceramic panel means disposed across the throat of said recess with a heat source underneath to define a surface for cooking, additional wall means disposed generally above said frame wall means thereby defining a space therebetween and disposed generally beneath said heat source thereby additionally defining a barrier between said heat source and said frame wall means, said space communicating with air inlet and outlet means to define air conduit means for passage of cooling air, and means for forcibly moving outside cooling air through said conduit means to remove heat from said additional wall means to reduce heat transmission to said frame wall means.
 2. The claimed subject matter on claim 1 wherein said ceramic panel closes the throat of said recess.
 3. The claimed subject matter of claim 1 wherein said additional wall means in cooperation with said ceramic panel encloses a chamber in which said heat source is disposed.
 4. The claimed subject matter of claim 3 wherein said chamber is entirely enclosed.
 5. The claimed subject matter of claim 3 wherein said additional walls and said panel form a chamber which is removably received in said frame recess.
 6. The claimed subject matter of claim 3 wherein said heat source is adjacent said panel.
 7. The claimed subject matter of claim 6 further defined as including heat-insulating means between the heat source and said additional wall means to thereby reduce heat transmitted thereto.
 8. A cooking device comprising: A frame including wall means defining an upwardly facing recess, a heat cartridge defined by a flat heat-transmissive ceramic panel in cooperation with walls generally spaced therefrom to define a chamber therebetween and including a heat source in the chamber for heating the ceramic panel, said heat cartridge disposed in said recess with the ceramic panel facing upwardly therefrom to define a surface for cooking, said walls of the heat cartridge being spaced from the frame wall means to define a space therebetween, and means for moving outside air through said space and adjacent the walls of said cartridge for removing heat therefrom to thereby reduce heat transfer To the frame.
 9. The claimed subject matter of claim 8 further defined as including heat-insulating means beneath the heat source to reduce heat transfer to surfaces other than said panel.
 10. The claimed subject matter of claim 8 wherein the chamber of said heat cartridge is entirely enclosed.
 11. The claimed subject matter of claim 8 wherein said heat cartridge is removably received in the stove recess.
 12. The claimed subject matter of claim 8 wherein said heat cartridge closes the entrance to said recess of the frame.
 13. A cooking device comprising: a frame including wall means defining an upwardly facing recess, a heat cartridge including a flat heat-transmissive ceramic panel across the opening to a pan means to define a chamber and having a heat source therein, said heat cartridge disposed within said recess with said ceramic panel facing upwardly therefrom for defining a cooling surface, said heat source within the chamber of said heat cartridge being so disposed that a major portion of its heat is transmitted to said ceramic panel and only a minor portion is transmitted to the pan means, and means for moving a continuous stream of cooling air past and in contact with the pan means for removing heat therefrom to thereby reduce heat transmission to the frame.
 14. The claimed subject of claim 13 wherein said heat source is disposed adjacent said panel.
 15. The claimed subject matter of claim 13 wherein the chamber of said heat cartridge is entirely enclosed.
 16. The claimed subject matter of claim 13 wherein said heat cartridge is removably received in the stove recess.
 17. The claimed subject matter of claim 13 wherein the entrance to said recess in the frame is closed by said cartridge.
 18. A cooking device comprising: a frame including wall means defining an upwardly facing cavity, a generally flat heat-transmissive glass ceramic panel disposed across the entrance to said cavity with a heat source underneath whereby said panel becomes a surface for cooling, additional wall means disposed in said cavity and beneath said panel and heat source thereby defining a heat chamber, said additional wall means being spaced upwardly from a bottom wall of said frame cavity to define conduit means therebetween for passage of a stream of cooling air, an air opening in the frame in communication with said conduit means, an air plenum chamber adjacent said frame and having plural air intake ports and an exhaust port in communication with a power driven fan exhaust adapted to exhaust air to the atmosphere, one of said intake ports adjacently disposed to one side of said panel for drawing cooking fumes from thereacross and another intake port in communication with said conduit means for drawing cooling air therethrough in contact with said additional wall means for removing heat therefrom to reduce heat transfer to said frame.
 19. The claimed subject matter of claim 18 wherein said heat-transmissive glass ceramic panel substantially closes the entrance to said cavity in the frame. 